Search - Dave Hollister :: Witness Protection

"Witness Protection" -- one of the year's best Contemporary

Njai Joszor | 08/10/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Kicking off "Witness Protection" with the appropriately titled song "I'm Here," Dave Hollister announces his return to gospel proclaiming his allegiance to god singing "Here are my hands, use them as you please, lord I give you total control of me."



After a number of years on the secular charts, including his well received stint as part of the R&B group Blackstreet. Hollister seems most at home with gospel where he can truly speak about his trials, tribulations and breakthroughs. Although the album is not necessarily a traditional gospel album, Hollister does a great job at keeping contemporary and youthful audiences entertained while also channeling those who came before him such as John P. Kee, Fred Hammond and Marvin Winans.



Hollister fuses bits of R&B, Gospel and a tinge of Rock into a number of songs that are bound to rock the homes of young adults, teens and the more contemporary inclined gospel fan. "More of You" an ode to god, where Hollister proclaims that he would rather have more of him than anything else is one of the best songs on the album. "More of You," which may even be construed as a 5-star update to the classic gospel song and church favorite "Silver & Gold" finds Hollister reflecting on his past and looking toward the future. Proclaiming "everything I want, everything thing I need, material things...it don't mean a thing," Hollister continues in what seems like an ode to the days of his Blackstreet days singing: "The house, the deal, the mils, the jesibels, and the cheap grills... realizing it wasn't real, now I'm a vessel and I need to be filled."



The Stellar Award nominee continues the aforementioned trend with inspirational songs like "Standing," "Striving," and "I Know I Can" however, in a more controversial, yet well addressed song entitled "Church," Hollister talks about the drive to be in church every Sunday no matter who or what may stand in the way. Addressing commonly found issues or taboo topics in the church, Hollister says he doesn't care 'how the preacher spends his money' or 'if the choir director is friendly'... only thing that matters is my 'biz' (business) with the lord. He later continues 'I was trying to figure out what's more important my clothes or my soul.' Quick to address cynics who may say he's giving the church a bad name, Hollister says "I didn't make these stereotypes so I'm not to blame, I'm not trying to say that everyone is doing the wrong thing"



Moving on with less controversial songs like "Don't Stop," Hollister provides inspiration to press on no matter what you may be going through singing "hold on, be strong my sister, it'll soon be over."



Even though the first half of "Witness Protection" is well done, the latter half seems to be the best part of the project. Hollister seems stronger and more in tune with current issues such as the mortgage crisis, rising costs and health care crisis' affecting the nation. "Look Up," "Secret Place," "Bless Me," and "You Are" provide room for inspiration, reflection and worship. The latter of the four entitled "You Are" is the best song on the entire album for pure reflection and an amazing worship session. Powerful and true, "You Are" leads into a two track praise and worship session wrapping up Hollister's sophomore gospel album "Witness Protection" with as they say "saving the best for last" "Just Worship" and "Champion" (dedicated to Gerald & Sean Levert).



Overall, Dave Hollister's "Witness Protection" is a solid follow-up to his debut Stellar Award-nominated album "The Book of David, Vol. 1: The Transition" Providing plenty of room to celebrate what god has done, while also providing room for reflection and inspiration, "Witness Protection" easily becomes one of the year's best Contemporary Gospel albums."

Truly Excellent

Danny | Charlotte, NC | 08/14/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I haven't written a regular review in awhile, but after hearing Dave's new album I feel compelled to write something. First, I am so happy to see that Dave decided to do another contemporary gospel album, instead of doing another secular album. So I just had to get it.



What makes me like this album is the song "You Are". This song shows to me that he's just not a good singer, but he also has a heart to worship God in Spirit and in truth. I had to play this song a few times. Then it flows into another song called "Just Worship" to give you a time for worship.



I even like the musical cleverness of his contemporary song "More of You." If you listened to secular music in the 90's you'll know what I mean. I also like to hear his story in the song called "Church", because he didn't end up allowing some of the foolishness that occurs in some churches to stop him from connecting to God.



So I would have to say this is a good sophomore gospel album for him. I still have to say, I'm glad to see he came back.



*********UPDATE June 3, 2009



Well, this album has proven the test of time for me. Now, I can truly say this album is anointed for me. And I don't use that word lightly, because some people think anyone with a good singing voice is anointed. However, when I listen to this album it causes me to focus on God and the think about ministry. It brings me into a mindset to worship God, not just in a song but in a lifestyle. So when I listen to this album the anointing truly breaks off the yoke.



I love the way the last half of the album is organized. When it gets to the song "Look Up", it causes you be encouraged through his song of tidings. Then it goes into the next song "Secret Place", which causes one to think about wanting to spend time with God. Then it goes into "Bless Me" that causes one to think how much one needs God and waiting on God. Then the next two song takes you right into worship to place your focus on Him.



So this album is truly excellent."

A fan

Dave Nash | 11/24/2008

(5 out of 5 stars)

"I've been a fan of his music since he been in tha game. I own every CD he's made & now he's changed i love his music even more. His songs are sung with so much soul & heart they speak to you if you just listen. This better than his 1st shot @ this side of music. i'm fan & will be a fan for ever."